Second Annual Unofficial Rose Parade Bandit Run

The Green Girl and her friend, Janey, joined the Sole Runners for the Second Annual Unofficial Rose Parade Bandit Run.

The Rose Parade is an annual event held in Pasadena on New Year's Day (unless New Year's Day falls on a Sunday and then it's held on the following Monday).

The theme of this year's 124th Rose Parade was in honor of Dr. Seuss' book, 'Oh, the Places You'll Go!'

The Unofficial Pasadena Rose Parade Bandit Runners

The 5.5 mile Rose Parade procession begins at South Orange Grove Boulevard and Green Street and then heads east on Colorado Boulevard. The parade ends by turning north on Sierra Madre Boulevard and stopping at Villa Street.

The unofficial start for our Bandit Run was just east of the parade route.

We casually seeded ourselves based on running speed and headed west on Colorado Boulevard in our respective, informal pace groups.

Spectators camped out for the Pasadena Rose Parade

Since curbside viewing space for the Rose Parade is available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis, adventurous spectators camped out up along the route starting at noon the day before.

The majority of the businesses along Colorado Boulevard boarded up the front of their stores with wood for protection. Some stores saw this as an opportunity and transformed their window reinforcements into billboard advertisements.

The Green Girl, Janey, and Sole Runner Mary at the Rose Parade

The experience is best described as running a race with lots of spectators but not a lot of runners.

Unfortunately for us runners, the weather was unseasonably cold so there were a lot of fire pits. Which made it nearly impossible to breathe at times.

Celebratory confetti, giant marshmallows, tortillas, and silly string were splattered across the ground.

Beverly Hills Pet Care Foundation Rose Parade Float

On occasion, our heels would stick to the ground as we ran down Colorado Boulevard.

When we reached South Orange Grove Boulevard and Green Street, the floats, marching bands, and equestrian units were all lined up in preparation for start of the parade.

China Airlines 'Cycling Through Paradise' Rose Parade Float

According to the Tournament of Roses rules, 'each float must conform to certain regulations in the areas of height, width, length and thematic design and the entire surface must be covered using a variety of flowers, seeds, bark, leaves and other natural materials.'

I was in awe of the level of detail the float designers were able to achieve using only regulation materials.

The 'Destination Cars Land' Rose Parade Float

I'm a huge Pixar fan so my favorite was the 'Destination Cars Land’ float.

It featured Lightning McQueen and Sally racing above the 'Welcome to Cars Land' sign along with Flo’s V8 Cafe and Cozy Cone Motel signs.

The Second Annual Unofficial Rose Parade Bandit Run was the perfect way to kick off the New Year.

Today is your day.
You're off to Great Places!
You're off and away!
You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself
any direction you choose.
You're on your own. And you know what you know.
And YOU are the guy who'll decide where to go.
Theodor Seuss Geisel (Dr. Seuss)

The Green Girl's 100 Things for 2013

The Green Girl was inspired by the Day Zero Project's '101 Things in 1001 Days Challenge' to start her own challenge of attempting to complete 100 things in a given calendar year.

The Green Girl's 100 Things for 2013 - [048/100]

1. Accrue 60 professional development units (PDUs) for my PMP certification 01.16.2013
2. Create my elevator pitch 02.16.2013
3. Update my resume 05.06.2013
4. Get a promotion or new job 03.01.2013
5. Get Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
6. Learn a new technical skill 01.19.2013
7. Find a mentor
8. Go completely paperless/automated for all bills 01.14.2013
9. Get at least 5 sponsors for the Angelman Syndrome Foundation annual walk
10. Re-assess the Tumaini for the Future project 10.31.2013
11. Answer the '50 Questions That Will Free Your Mind'
12. Simplify my life in 10 tangible ways [10/10]
• Started using Evernote for productivity/organization 01.31.2013
• Started using Evernote Web Clipper for bookmarks 01.31.2013
• Started using Evernote to inventory household items. 03.10.2013
• Started using Feedly for RSS feed subscriptions. 03.10.2013
• Started using only icons to conserve Bookmark Toolbar real estate. 03.11.2013
• Started using Zim Wiki for a desktop wiki. 03.15.2013
• Started using a green Ikea cutting board to fold my clothing. 03.16.2013
• Started using WinMerge Excel plug-in. 03.28.2013
• Started using PuTTY Connection Manager. 03.29.2013
• Started following a weekly schedule. 04.15.2013
13. Volunteer at an assisted-living or retirement home
14. Start journaling again 01.07.2013
15. Write a short story
16. Get a library card 01.07.2013
17. Read Sophie's World
18. Read Chi Marathon book
19. Mark all the places I've visited in my 1000 Places To See Before You Die book
20. Do something outside of my comfort zone 01.19.2013
21. Do something spontaneous
22. Get a new luggage 03.15.2013
23. Buy a necklace 02.10.2013
24. Buy a dress 08.29.2013
25. Buy a pair of black heels 05.25.2013
26. Mend clothing that need repairs
27. Go on a road trip
28. Go camping 09.06.2013
29. Go dancing
30. Ride a bus with Jade 12.25.2013
31. Ride a train with Jade 02.17.2013
32. Build a snowman 02.10.2013
33. Go on a picnic 08.03.2013
34. Go zip lining
35. Play Pixar Monopoly
36. Get mole check
37. Get my wisdom teeth removed
38. Get new prescription sunglasses 01.15.2013
39. Give contact lenses another go 09.19.2013
40. Meeting a blogging friend in real life
41. Update The Running Green Girl's header
42. Update The Running Green Girl's About
43. Improve The Running Green Girl SEO
44. Update my running playlist 10.26.2013
45. Consolidate/prune my address books/contacts 08.29.2013
46. Organize or digitize photographs
47. Organize family photographs online 03.27.2013
48. Put pictures in frames
49. Do Pilates on a reformer 01.31.2013
50. Explore a new place with Lexa
51. Do a century with Lexa, Angelina, Chris, Kapil, and Nevil
52. Learn to ride Lexa clipped in
53. Take Lexa for a ride on the Metro 06.23.2013
54. Complete Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred
55. Run a race in a costume 07.07.2013
56. Get a facial
57. Spend a day at a spa
58. Go to Disneyland 09.01.2013
59. Go to California Adventure 09.01.2013
60. Get another tattoo
61. Meditate 05.02.2013
62. Attend a self-defense class
63. Attend a gun/firearms training class
64. Renew CPR/First Aid certification 01.12.2013
65. Organize bathroom cabinet
66. Coat shower liner with baby oil and see if it prevents soap scum
67. Organize the kitchen pantry
68. Update my recipe book 01.14.2013
69. Get a green mixer
70. Take a cooking class
71. Roast a whole chicken
72. Make vegetarian sushi
73. Make homemade mac & cheese 04.10.2013
74. Try a new cuisine 05.04.2013
75. Go fruit picking
76. Eat a new fruit 03.18.2013
77. Repair camera or get a replacement 02.05.2013
78. Learn how to use manual features/settings on camera
79. Take pictures of the sun rise and set in the same day 09.07.2013
80. Take a picture for each letter of the alphabet
81. Take a picture for the numbers from 0 to 9
82. Take a picture of the same place every month
83. Document a day in the life of a Green Girl in pictures
84. Take a picture of a Dead Drop
85. Send a care package to the little boy I'm sponsoring through Vision Africa
86. Perform a random act of kindness 08.14.2013
87. Make a scrapbook
88. Help microfinance a small business through a Zidisha loan
89. Get a new Road ID 01.29.2013
90. Obtain Amateur Ham Radio License 01.20.2013
91. Get a ham radio 01.28.2013
92. Inventory bug-out bags 01.15.2013
93. Get 10 more bug-out bag items [10/10]
• Flat-head and Phillips screwdrivers 02.09.2013
94. Inventory emergency food/water supplies 12.10.2013
95. Inventory first aid kit 01.15.2013
96. Purchase second first aid kit for home 02.13.2013
97. Give all family members paracord bracelets/keychains 01.29.2013
98. Print out map with routes to ride to San Jose with Lexa
99. Take bug-out bag for test ride with Lexa
100. Private

Manhattan Beach Yuletide 5k Race Report

The Green Girl and her friend, Janey, ran their very first race on the sand at the Manhattan Beach Yuletide 5k Saturday evening.

The Manhattan Beach Yuletide 5k is the sister race to the annual summer Manhattan Beach 5k.

The Manhattan Beach 5k takes place each June and coincides with the Summer Solstice, the longest day of sunlight for the year. The Manhattan Beach Yuletide 5k was scheduled for the Winter Solstice, the shortest day of sunlight for the year.

Manhattan Beach Yuletide 5k at the Manhattan Beach Pier

A solstice occurs when the part of the Earth’s equator that faces the Sun is tilted at its highest or lowest point. The day of the Summer Solstice is the longest day of the year and the Winter Solstice is the shortest day.

The solstice provides an extremely low tide, creating ideal running conditions for on the hard-packed sand.

Sunset at the Manhattan Beach Pier

The Manhattan Beach Yuletide 5k consisted of a 5k run/walk on the sand and a Little Elves Dash.

Each participant received a cotton t-shirt and a glow necklace. The timing chips were conveniently attached to our bibs.

Christmas Tree at the Manhattan Beach Pier

The evening was unusually cold and on occasion, a raindrop would fall. The sunset faded into the horizon as the runners shivered and waited for the race to start.

The Manhattan Beach Pier glowed with holiday lights which reflected on the dark waves and the wet sand.

Manhattan Beach Yuletide 5k Starting Line at the Manhattan Beach Pier

Spectators lined the pier from above and cheered us on as we started the race.

In the darkness, you could see the fluorescent glow of the necklaces moving along the beach.

The course was an out and back loop along the water. The well-packed sand was the perfect surface for running since it was just like running on a dirt trail.

Manhattan Beach Yuletide 5k Mile 1

Volunteers shined bright lights on the mile markers so they could be easily seen.

I had so much fun running on the beach. The Manhattan Beach Yuletide 5k was the perfect race to get me into the holiday spirit.

The Green Girl's Updated Motivational Collage

The Green Girl decided it was time to update her Motivational Collage.

Since my last collage, I did manage to accrue 54 out of the 60 professional development units (PDUs) required per three-year cycle for my my PMP certification.

In terms of dreaming and following my heart, I took some chances and ended up with some bumps and bruises along the way.

My updated collage reflects the following:

• Heal
• Balance head and heart

My number one focus right now is an amelioration of my mind, body, and soul.

A significant portion of this healing process will be the rehabilitation of my right heel. I've been struggling with Achilles tendon bursitis (retrocalcaneal bursitis) since the beginning of this year.

I believe finding a balance between my head and heart will be an integral part of this journey for me.

Healing comes from taking responsibility:
to realize that it is you – and no one else –
that creates your thoughts, your feelings, and your actions.
Peter Shepherd

Really Big Free Half Marathon Las Vegas Race Report

The Green Girl did the inaugural Really Big Free Half Marathon Las Vegas at Lake Mead National Recreation Area at the beginning of this month.

This race was the brainchild of the io events race management company. The strategy was to offset the registrant costs to the race sponsors.

A refundable deposit of $50 was required during registration.

Really Big Free Marathon Las Vegas Starting Line at Lake Mead National Recreation Area

According to the Really Big Free FAQ, all runners who crossed the Starting Line with their timing chips will be refunded in the form of a $50 check four to six weeks after the event.

Fellow Sole Runners Barb, Kerri, and Sandy, also participated in this race.

Sole Runners Sandy, John, and Barb at the Really Big Free Marathon Las Vegas Starting Line

We arrived at the Lake Mead National Recreation Area just before sun rise to see Kerri off for the marathon.

We quickly discovered the fortuitousness of already being there for Kerri's early marathon start when the half was delayed due to logistical parking and traffic problems.

Really Big Free Marathon Las Vegas Half Marathon Starting Line

At one point, the race organizers even announced there was a possibility the race could be cancelled.

The course was along the scenic rolling hills of the River Mountain Loop Trail.

I went into this race undertrained and without any expectations since I'm still dealing with the Achilles tendon bursitis (retrocalcaneal bursitis) in my right heel.

The course was along the scenic River Mountain Loop Trail

To avoid aggravating my heel, I started off easy and maintained a steady jog throughout the race.

The slower pace enabled me to relax and enjoy the beauty of Lake Mead.

Since the course followed the River Mountain Loop Trail, it was easy to follow and all crossings were clearly marked.

Sole Runner Barb taking a post-run dip in Lake Mead

The aide stations were well stocked with water but there appeared to have been a shortage of sports drink.

At the finish, a number of runners took a post-run dip in Lake Mead in lieu of an ice bath.

I really enjoyed the inaugural Really Big Free Half Marathon and look forward to participating in future Really Big Free events.

Update: As of Friday, January 4th, 2013, the following message appears on the Really Big Free Half Marathon Las Vegas Race website:

This is the hardest message we have ever written.
You would think that business is business but THIS business represents years of real blood, sweat, tears, memories, and sacrifice. The past year we’ve pushed ahead with the attitude that failure is not an option, emotionally vested in a business and industry that has slowly realized it is not as recession proof as was once touted. Our emotional commitment to our races blinded us to some serious problems such as significantly increasing race organization costs, increasing regulatory red-tape, declining participation numbers, sponsorship cut-backs, and our burgeoning debt.
We forged ahead, investing in the races waiting for the economy to improve, sponsors to follow through on their promises, and for there to be a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel – yet the reality is, at least for us, there is no hint of glow coming from the path ahead. Aggregate participation numbers have been significantly down for the past year and numbers going forward look even worse. And it’s a struggle many race organizers our size are sharing. At this point, our credit cards are maxed out… and with some vendors having been paid and others still waiting we find ourselves in a tough spot with our backs against the wall; we’re broke, and we’re facing a dire and unfamiliar situation that appears to have only one solution; after nearly 7 years of organizing races, we’re closing our doors. This closure means the cancellation of the Really Big Free Series.
As for refunds - we're working on it and we hope to have a time table available in the coming weeks.
For those of you who have supported us through the years we are so grateful – we wish we could push on; we’ve poured our hearts into this company and the prospect of not organizing races is just heartbreaking.
See you down road,
~Karen & Richard
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You may email us at contact@ioevents.com / or call our office at (928) 855 - 4887.